Best Gateway Airports To Bolivia's Salt Flats

The closest airport to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, is Uyuni Airport, also known as Joya Andina Airport. It is located just northwest of Uyuni, in the southwestern Potosí Department of Bolivia. The airport is served by the airline Boliviana de Aviación, which offers regular flights to and from La Paz and Cochabamba. The flight duration from La Paz to Uyuni is less than one hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train to Uyuni from La Paz, although the journey takes approximately 12 to 15 hours by bus and requires a transfer at Oruro if travelling by train.

La Paz to Uyuni by Plane

La Paz and Uyuni are connected by plane, train, bus, and car. The most popular airline for this route is Boliviana de Aviación, which offers direct flights between the two cities. The average flight time is 1 hour, and prices for one-way flights start at $92.

There are 2 to 7 direct flights per week from La Paz to Uyuni, depending on the source. Flights depart from El Alto International Airport in La Paz and arrive in Uyuni Airport.

If you want to catch a morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni and start your tour of the salt flats the same day, it is recommended to book a morning flight that arrives before 10 am.

La Paz to Uyuni by Bus

There are several bus companies that offer overnight sleeper buses from La Paz to Uyuni, covering a distance of 546km to 569km on a paved road. The journey takes between 9 and 12 hours, with no daytime services available. Buses leave La Paz between 9 pm and 10:30 pm, arriving in Uyuni between 5:30 am and 7:30 am.

Bus companies that operate this route include Trans Titicaca, Cruz del Norte, Panasur, El Cisne, Trans Omar, and Todo Turismo. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the bus station in La Paz on Uruguay Avenue. Prices range from $13 to $39 USD, or €15 to €23 for a one-way adult ticket.

Before boarding the bus, each traveller must buy a "terminal fee" for Bs 2.5 per person. It is recommended to arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure time.

The advantages of travelling by bus include cost-effectiveness and efficiency, as you can save on a night's accommodation and arrive in Uyuni in time for your tour. However, there is a potential for road blocks and delays.

La Paz to Uyuni by Train

The journey from La Paz to Uyuni by train is split into two parts. First, you'll need to take a bus from La Paz to Oruro, which takes around four hours. From there, you can take a train from Oruro to Uyuni, which takes approximately seven hours. The train route only runs between these two towns and offers a scenic journey across the Bolivian Altiplano.

The train line has two alternatives: Expreso Sur, which departs on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:30 pm, and Wara Wara, which departs on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:00 pm. Both trains have night departures and stop at all intermediate stations. Wara Wara del Sur offers a comfortable journey, with a dining wagon serving a national and international menu. It offers Executive, Salon, and Popular service classes. Expreso del Sur has Executive and Salon class services and is a good option for those who want to appreciate the beautiful landscapes during the day.

The train journey allows travellers to rest the night before their tour and provides an opportunity to enjoy the views of the Altiplano during the day. The trains have dining wagons where passengers can purchase food and drinks.

The bus from La Paz to Oruro costs around $5, and the train from Oruro to Uyuni costs around $22 for the Saloon class and $33 for the Executive class. The entire journey from La Paz to Uyuni by bus and train costs between $13 and $22.

The bus and train tickets can be purchased separately, with the bus tickets available at the La Paz bus station and the train tickets available online, at the FCA office in La Paz, or at the train station in Oruro. It is also possible to purchase the train tickets through a tourist agency in La Paz, although this may be more expensive.

The bus journey from La Paz to Oruro is comfortable and safe, and buses depart every 30 minutes in the morning. The train journey from Oruro to Uyuni is a rare opportunity to travel by train in South America and provides a unique perspective on the local culture and landscape.

The train journey is a great option for those who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery, with the entire trip from La Paz to Uyuni taking around 11 hours. It is a comfortable and scenic route, offering a mix of lagoons, quinoa fields, llamas, and local communities along the way.

The train station in Uyuni is centrally located, making it convenient for travellers to find accommodation nearby. The town offers a range of options, from hostels to modern hotels, and most accommodations include free breakfast.

Overall, the La Paz to Uyuni train journey is a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of Bolivia and connect with the local culture.

Luxury Door-to-Door Tour

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is a truly remarkable natural wonder. The largest salt flat on Earth, it covers over 4,000 square miles of the Altiplano and was formed by prehistoric lakes that evaporated thousands of years ago.

The best way to experience the salt flats in luxury is to opt for a private, multi-day tour. This will allow you to explore the flats and the surrounding region in comfort and at your own pace. Here is a suggested itinerary for a 6-night luxury door-to-door tour:

Day 1: La Paz to Uyuni

Arrive in La Paz and take a private transfer to your luxurious accommodation in the city. Spend the day exploring La Paz, taking in the vibrant markets, colourful colonial buildings, and the famous cable car.

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats

After an early breakfast, take a short flight from La Paz to Uyuni. The closest city to the salt flats, Uyuni is a small, dusty town with a bustling main square full of tourism agencies. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and begin your exploration of the salt flats. Visit the Dakar Monument and the famous salt hotels, including the Palacio de Sal, made entirely from salt blocks. In the evening, return to Uyuni and enjoy a gourmet dinner at your boutique hotel.

Day 3: Hiking and Stargazing

Today, embark on a hiking adventure in the salt flats. Hike around the spectacular Isla Incahuasi, a cacti-covered island in the heart of the flats. In the evening, enjoy a stargazing session with an expert astronomer. The clear, remote skies of Uyuni offer some of the best stargazing in the world.

Day 4: Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde

On day 4, explore some of the region's colourful lagoons. Visit the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada), famous for its rich red colour derived from algae and plankton, and home to several species of flamingos. Then, head to the enchanting Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde), with its emerald green waters set against the backdrop of the Licancabur Volcano.

Day 5: Geysers and Hot Springs

Start your day early and head to the Sol de Mañana volcanic area, where you'll find bubbling mud pots and hissing fumaroles. Then, relax and rejuvenate in the natural thermal springs nearby. In the afternoon, explore the surreal landscapes of the Salvador Dali Desert, named for its resemblance to the artist's paintings.

Day 6: Colchani and Uyuni Town

Today, visit the quaint village of Colchani, located just outside the salt flats. Here, you'll find Bolivia's largest salt-processing cooperative, where local workers use traditional methods to harvest salt. Return to Uyuni and spend the rest of the day exploring the town, including the train cemetery.

Day 7: Departure

Take a private transfer back to La Paz or continue your luxury journey to another destination in Bolivia.

This luxury door-to-door tour offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, allowing you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the surrounding region in style.

Travel from Santa Cruz or Cochabamba

There are several ways to get from Santa Cruz or Cochabamba to Uyuni.

From Santa Cruz to Uyuni:

The best and most comfortable option is to fly to Uyuni from Santa Cruz. Airlines Boa and Ecojet fly from Santa Cruz to Uyuni via La Paz (and sometimes directly). It is also possible to fly to Potosi or Oruro and travel overland to Uyuni. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a flight to La Paz, Sucre, or Cochabamba and then travel onwards to Uyuni.

From Cochabamba to Uyuni:

You can take a bus or a flight to La Paz, Sucre, or Santa Cruz and then travel onwards to Uyuni. Buses leave Cochabamba every day in the evening and arrive in Uyuni the next day at around 6 am. The distance between Cochabamba and Uyuni is 524 km, and the trip takes about 12 hours.

Travel Options from Santa Cruz and Cochabamba to Uyuni:

There are several options for travelling from Santa Cruz or Cochabamba to Uyuni:

• Direct trip: You can travel directly from either city to Uyuni by bus or plane.
• Via La Paz: Take a bus or a flight to La Paz and then travel to Uyuni by plane, train, or bus.
• Via Sucre: Take a bus or a flight to Sucre and then travel to Uyuni by bus.
• Via Potosi or Oruro: Fly to Potosi or Oruro and then travel overland to Uyuni.
• Via Chile or Argentina: You can travel to Uyuni from Santa Cruz via Chile or Argentina.

Frequently asked questions